FZN Fall Sports Update

FZN Fall Sports Update

Boys Soccer

After starting the season 1 – 3, the Panther have reeled off 4 straight victories to up their record to 5 – 3. The team has been led by the play of junior Roman Merris, who scored 6 goals with 2 assists so far this season. Freshmen Colby Thomas has added 4 goals and 2 assists, while junior Alex Cameron has contributed 2 goals and 2 assists. Freshmen goalie Kaleb Wilson has stepped up into the starting role and contributed 2 shutouts in his 5 games on the pitch.

Next week the Panthers have three scheduled contests, including conference match-ups with Fort Zumwalt South (9/21) and Liberty (9/23). The Panthers will end the week with a non-conference match-up with the new Wentzville high school – North Point.

Girls Tennis

The lady court cats enjoyed a solid week of play as the team defeated both St. Charles West and Fort Zumwalt East. They will try to make it three in a row this afternoon as they square off against Duchesne.

Transfer student Mariah Savala has played solid all year, while holding down the Panthers #1 spot. Freshmen sensation Diana Calzada is currently the Panthers #2 player. Other standouts include: Hadley Carrico, Ella Rosenberg, Gracie Weinhold, Ella Oderman, Madi Morgan and Allie Grimes.

The Panthers will play three matches next week (Hazelwood West, Pattonville, Troy) before entering the conference tournament scheduled for 9/29 – 9/30.

Cross Country

The FZN Harriers have produced solid performances throughout the 2021 campaign. Returning state qualifier – Taylor Mason medaled in both the FZN Twilight Invitational and the First Capitol Invitational. After sitting out last week’s meet (Forest Park), Mason expects to return this weekend at the Edwardsville (IL) Invitational. On the girl’s side, freshmen Peyton Spellaza has stood out for the Panthers. She has competed mostly in the JV division so far this season, but is expected to make the move to varsity this weekend.

The Panthers travel to Edwardsville, IL this Saturday, and will head to Columbia, MO next weekend for the State Preview Meet.

Girls Golf

In what could be described as a “Cinderella” story, the Panthers girls golf team has emerged as a contender in the GAC North/Central division. The team won their last 5 contests and are building momentum as they prepare for the conference tournament scheduled for 10/5.

The Panthers had two individual golfers earn medals at the Troy Invitational, as returning state qualifier Liz Bigler shot a 91 and top newcomer Mackenzie Darrah shot a 94 to place in the top 15 at the event. The team scored a big victory over rival Fort Zumwalt South (193 – 206) last week, with Bigler, Darrah and Mackenzie Valentine all earning match play points. Bigler has been particularly impressive as of late, shooting a 39 in her latest outing. New head coach Mike Uffmann, mentioned Grace Grafton, Kate Johnnie, Nora LaChance and Miriam Linson as new varsity players who have added depth to this year’s squad.

Girls Volleyball

The girls’ volleyball team has returned to their winning ways this past week as they scored two conference wins over Fort Zumwalt East (3 – 1) and Washington (3 – 0). On the season, the Panthers stand at 5 – 4 – 1. Senior Kennedy Janes recorded her 1000 dig early in the season, a 3-year starter for the Panthers, she is believed to be the first player in school history to achieved such a feat. Sophomore Lilly Porter has produced excellent performances all season for the Panthers.

Next week will be a very busy week for the team, as they play conference games against FHN (9/21) and Liberty (9/230, with non-conference opponent Parkway North (9/22) sandwiched between the two. Then on the weekend, the Panthers will play in the always competitive Lutheran Tournament.

Softball

The Panthers suffered through a tough week of play, dropping 3 contests this week. The team hopes to rebound today as they travel to Ritenour for a non-conference game. Next weekend, the Panthers host their own invitational on the campus of North High. The team has been led by the hitting of McKenna Dydell (.464), Ali Burkemper (.441), Emma Wood (.370) and Grace Thorn (.355).

Boys Swim and Dive

The Swimcats have been led in the pool by veteran Kenny Goeke, who is on the verge of breaking a number of school records. Whereas Goeke is on the verge of breaking records, freshmen Luke Burgard broke the school record for the 1-meter dive. The Panthers will travel to McCluler STEAM today for a tri-meet with McCluer and McCluer STEAM, before battling in the Zumwalt Quad next week. The Panthers host their own invitational meet, The Eastman, on 10/3.

Football

The Panthers have gotten off to an unusually slow start on the gridiron. The Panthers have lost two games by one-point, and currently stand at 0 – 3 on the season. Despite the losses, the Panthers expect to rebound entering conference play which begins this week. Despite the 0 – 3 start, the Panthers have gotten strong offensive performance from Peyton Hoker, who has thrown for 5 touchdowns so far this season. Hoker has passed for 294 yards while rushing for 198. Senior Zach McGee has emerged as one of Hoker’s favorite targets, hauling in three receiving touchdowns so far this season. The versatile Chris Reckel has thrown, rushed for and caught a touchdown this season. Jalen Lee and Connor O’Neal lead the Panthers defensive effort, as the team’s leading tacklers.

This week the Panthers travel to Washington in their first conference game of the season, before returning home for the first time since week one to host Fort Zumwalt East on 9/24.